Sage Loss Ends Eagles Skylline Tournament Hopes

Patchogue, N.Y.—The St. Joseph's Golden Eagles (6-18, 4-13 Skyline) fell to the Sage Gators (12-12, 7-10 Skyline), 96-65, in Wednesday's home game effectively knocking them out of Skyline Conference playoff contention.  The night also served as SJC's Senior Night, during which seniors Kevin Donovan (East Northport, N.Y./ Northport) and Adam Renna (East Northport, N.Y./ Northport) were honored.

The Golden Eagles had a hard time getting their offense going as their first points came with junior Evan Mohammad's (Bayside, N.Y./ Holy Cross) short jumper three minutes into the game.  By halftime the Gators, having amassed a 24-point lead, had effectively knocked the wind out of St. Joseph's who failed to make much progress in the second half.  As Sage continued to push the ball and force the Eagles to play at an uncomfortably fast pace the gap in the score continued to widen, essentially cinching the win for the Gators.

Freshman Ryan Reidy (Sayville, N.Y./Connetquot) led Golden Eagle offense with a team and career-high 18 points while junior Phil Calixte (Amityville, N.Y./ Holy Trinity) came away with eight.  Senior Kevin Donovan sunk four points and had four rebounds; senior Adam Renna finished the game with three points. 

The loss puts St. Joseph's out of the running for a spot in the Skyline Conference postseason tournament, while Sage capture a playoff berth.

The Golden Eagles will travel to Purchase, N.Y. to challenge the Purchase Panthers for their final game of the season on February 16.